Dual Masters:  Library Science and Media Studies

New Program: Graduate Program in Library Science and Media Studies (MLS/MA)

Research librarians need two degrees, one in Library Science and the other in their area of specialty. The new MLS/MA is offered jointly by the Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences (GSLIS) and the Media Studies department, provides just that. This dual degree offers students the opportunity to develop skills in the methodologies of library science, information studies, and media studies, simultaneously and in a more cost-effective way than pursuing them independently. Students graduate with two masters degrees: an MLS in Library Science and an MA in Media Studies. 

Graduates will be well suited for professional careers in academic and research libraries, and information environments in theater, film, television, audio/visual preservation, media archeology, digital asset management, and public or private archives, and for admission into PhD programs in either Media Studies or Information Studies. 

The 54-credit program can be completed in three years of full-time study. Students should consult advisors in either department in selecting courses relevant to their research and career goals. Students are also strongly encouraged to consider internships at local archives, libraries, arts organizations, and media companies for which course credit can be awarded. 

Toward the end of the program, students will undertake a six-credit final thesis or project, under the advisement of faculty from both GSLIS and Media Studies.

Requirements (totaling 54 credits):

Library Science
LBSCI 700. The Technology of Information
LBSCI 701. Fundamentals of Library and Information Science
LBSCI 702. Information Sources and Service: General
LBSCI 703. Information Organization

GSLIS electives (12 credits):
Any other four LBSCI graduate courses

Media Studies
MEDST 701: Media Archaeology
MEDST 702: Media and Capitalism
MEDST 703: Media and Social Justice
MEDST 752: Media Theory

MEDST electives (12 credits)
Any other four MEDST graduate courses

Thesis/project (6 credits): LBSCI 709. Research in Library and Information Studies and MEDST 790: Thesis (both to be completed at or near the end of the dual degree).

Students applying to this program will complete applications for both Library Science and Media Studies. A link for applying for the Fall 25 semester will be available here, soon. If you want to begin working on your applicaiton now, look at the application requirements for each department, as you will need to complete both.